Method and apparatus for dispensing diagnostic test strips

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a stack of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. An engaging member is disposed in the container and is adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips. An actuator actuates the engaging member to dispense the one test strip from the container. Since one test strip is dispensed at a time, the remaining test strips are not handled by the user. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring oils on the user&#39;s hand.

This application is a division of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 11/430,178, filed May 9, 2006 in the U.S. Patentand Trademark Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to diagnostic test strips fortesting biological fluids. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to an apparatus and method for storing and dispensing diagnostictest strips.

2. Background of the Invention

Diagnostic test strips are used to measure analyte concentrations inbiological fluids. For example, diagnostic test strips are often used bydiabetic patients to monitor blood glucose levels.

To preserve their integrity, diagnostic test strips must be maintainedin appropriate environmental conditions. That is, the test strips shouldbe maintained at appropriate humidity levels, and should remain free offoreign substances. Furthermore, to avoid contamination by oils orforeign substances, test strips should not be handled prior to use.

Thus, to preserve test strips, they are typically maintained in astorage vial or the like. In order to use the test strip, a user mustreach into the vial, and retrieve a single test strip. However, manyusers, such as diabetic patients, have impaired vision or physicaldexterity. Such users may find it difficult to retrieve a single teststrip from a storage vial. Further, users may accidentally touchmultiple test strips while reaching into the storage vial to withdraw atest strip, and potentially contaminate the unused test strips.

Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus for storing diagnostictest strips in appropriate environmental conditions, and forconveniently dispensing the test strips one at a time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to address at least the aboveproblems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantagesdescribed below. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is toprovide an apparatus for storing a plurality of test strips and fordispensing the test strips one at a time.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the above andother objects are achieved by an apparatus for storing and dispensing atest strip which comprises a container configured to store a stack oftest strips, a roller disposed in the container, the roller adapted tocontact one test strip of the stack of test strips, and an actuator foractuating the roller to dispense the one test strip from the container.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatusfor storing and dispensing a test strip comprises a container configuredto store a stack of test strips, a lid connected to the container by aliving hinge, and a linkage assembly operatively connected to the lid.The linkage assembly is adapted to contact one test strip of the stackof test strips so that when the lid is opened, a test strip isdispensed.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, anapparatus for storing and dispensing test strips comprises a containerconfigured to store a stack of test strips, a spring disposed in thecontainer, the spring adapted to contact one test strip of the stack oftest strips, and an actuator for actuating the spring to dispense theone test strip from the container.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, anapparatus for storing and dispensing test strips comprises means forstoring a stack of test strips, means for contacting one test strip ofthe stack of test strips, and means for actuating the contacting meansto dispense the contacted test strip.

According to a still further embodiment of present invention, a methodof storing and dispensing test strips comprises the steps of arranging aplurality of test strips to form a stack of test strips, storing theplurality of test strips in a storage container, urging the stack oftest strips toward a dispensing position, engaging the stack of teststrips with an engaging member, actuating the engaging member todispense the contacted test strip, and urging the remaining test stripstoward the dispensing position so that another test strip is placed intoa dispensing position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of certainexemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparentfrom the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage vial for storing anddispensing test strips, according to a first exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the storage vial shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the storage vial shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the storage vialshown in FIG. 1, with a test strip partially dispensed;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the storage vial shown in FIG. 1, with amotor for operating the dispenser;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a storage vial for storing anddispensing test strips according to a second exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the storage vial shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 10-10 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line 11-11 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view of certain elements of the storagevial shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a storage vial for storing and dispensingtest strips according to a third exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is another sectional view of the storage vial shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cut-away perspective view of a storage vial for storing anddispensing test strips according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of certain elements of the storage vialshown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the storage vial shown in FIG. 15, with apartially dispensed test strip;

FIG. 18 is a cut-away perspective view of a storage vial for storing anddispensing test strips according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 19 is a cut-away perspective view of the storage vial shown in FIG.18, with a partially dispensed test strip;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a linkage member of the storage vialshown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of a storage vial for storing and dispensingtest strips according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of a storage vial for storing and dispensingtest strips according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a storage vial for storing anddispensing test strips according to a eighth exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 24 is perspective view of a cartridge of the storage vial shown inFIG. 23.

Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals will be understoodto refer to the same elements, features and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The matters defined in the description such as detailed construction andelements are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of theembodiments of the invention. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill inthe art will recognize that various changes and modifications of theembodiments described herein can be made without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention. Also, descriptions of well-knownfunctions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

First Exemplary Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, a storage vial 100 for storing and dispensingtest strips according to a first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention includes a storage container 102 configured to store a stackof test strips 104, a strip roller 106 rotatably disposed in thecontainer, and a thumbwheel 108 rotatably disposed in the container. Thestrip roller 106 contacts one test strip 142 of the stack of test strips104. The thumbwheel 108 operates the strip roller 106 so that when thethumbwheel 108 is rotated, the strip roller 106 rotates to dispense thetest strip 142 in contact with the strip roller 106.

The storage container 102 includes a lower body portion 110 and a topwall 112 mounted in the lower body portion 110. The lower body portion110 of the storage container 102 is generally rectangular and forms acavity 123 which is configured to store a stack of test strips 104. Atest strip supporting wall 116 extends upwardly from the bottom wall 118of the container. The test strip supporting wall 116 is tall enough toprovide support for the stack of test strips 104 loaded in the storagecontainer 102. The test strip supporting wall 116 may end short of thestrip roller 106 so that it does not interfere with the strip roller106. Alternatively, the test strip supporting wall may extend to thebottom surface of the top wall 112 of the storage container 102, andhave an elongated slot to provide clearance for installation andoperation of the strip roller 106 (refer to element 331 in FIG. 14).

The storage container 102 may be formed of a desiccant entrained polymerto regulate the specific relative humidity inside the container. U.S.Pat. No. 5,911,937, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety, discloses one suitable desiccant entrained polymer.Alternatively, the storage container 102 may be formed of a polymer withan insert-molded desiccant, or a desiccant may be placed in the cavity123.

The top wall 112 of the storage container 102 is preferably formedseparately from the remainder of the storage container 102 for easiermanufacturing and assembly. After the test strips 104 are loaded intothe storage container 102, the top wall 112 may be fixed to the storagecontainer 102 by ultrasonic welding, by an adhesive, by mechanicalengagement (such as a snap-fit), or by any other suitable method knownto those skilled in the art. The top wall 112 of the storage container102 forms a dispensing slot 120 through which test strips are dispensed.The top surface 122 of the top wall 112 may bear indicia 136 (such as anarrow) for indicating the direction to rotate the thumbwheel 108 todispense a test strip. A first supporting member 124 extends from thebottom surface 126 of the top wall 112 to rotatably support the striproller 106, as will be discussed in detail below. A second supportingmember 128 also extends from the bottom surface of the top wall 112. Thethumbwheel 108 is rotatably supported by the second supporting member128, and the thumbwheel 108 extends through a second slot through thetop wall 112 of the storage container 102. A downwardly extending teststrip supporting wall may be located adjacent to the test stripdispensing slot 120 to support and guide test strips into the dispensingslot 120 while they are being dispensed (refer to element 831 in FIG.14).

The storage container 102 may be provided with a lid 138 to preventhumidity and other environmental contaminants from entering the storagecontainer 102. The lid 138 may be a separate component, but preferablythe lid 138 is connected to the storage container 102 by a hinge 140. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the lid 138 is formed integrally with thelower body portion 110 of the storage container 102 so that it isconnected to the storage container 121 by a living hinge 140. The lid138 preferably forms a substantially hermetic seal with the lower bodyportion 110 of the storage container 102. Such seals are known to thoseskilled in the art, and therefore, a detailed description of the sealwill be omitted for conciseness. Also, for convenience of explanation,the lid is only shown in some of the drawings.

A biasing element 132, such as a compression spring or a leaf spring,urges the stack of test strips 104 stored in the storage container 102into contact with the strip roller 106. A platform 134 may be disposedbetween the biasing element 132 and the stack of test strips 104 touniformly distribute the force generated by the biasing element 132along the length of the stack of test strips 104. If the test strips aresufficiently rigid, however, the biasing element 132 may directlycontact the test strips.

The strip roller 106 is rotatably supported by the first supportingmember 124, which extends downwardly from the top wall 112 of thestorage container 102. The strip roller 106 contacts one of the teststrips 142 in the stack of test strips 104. In the illustratedembodiment, (FIG. 4), the strip roller 106 engages the right-most teststrip 142. Preferably, the strip roller 106 engages the test strip inthe upper portion of the test strip. The outer circumferential surface144 of the strip roller 106 should have a sufficient coefficient offriction to frictionally engage and dispense a test strip. For example,the strip roller 106 may be formed of rubber bonded to a metal or moldedplastic roller insert. A strip roller gear 146 is located on one side ofthe strip roller 106.

A thumbwheel 108 is rotatably supported by the second supporting member128. A plurality of gear teeth 148 are located around the outercircumference of the thumbwheel 108, and the gear teeth 148 on thethumbwheel 108 engage the strip roller gear 146. The gear teeth 148 alsoprovide friction to allow a user to more conveniently operate thethumbwheel 108 with a thumb, a finger, or the like.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the storage container 102 maybe used in a fully automated test strip dispenser. In this case, theautomated test strip dispenser is provided with a motor 150 with apinion gear 152, and the storage container 102 is disposed in theautomated test strip dispenser so that the pinion gear 152 engages thethumbwheel 108. The automated test strip dispenser can, if desired, becombined with a blood glucose meter that reads the test strips 104.

Furthermore, a locking member 154, such as a ratchet or pawl, may bedisposed on the storage container 102 to engage the thumbwheel 108. Thelocking member 154 allows the thumbwheel 108 to rotate in one direction(that is, a dispensing direction), but prevents the thumbwheel 108 fromrotating in the opposite direction.

The method of using the storage vial for storing and dispensing teststrips according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention willnow be described. Initially, the strip roller 106 and the thumbwheel 108are assembled to the first and second supporting members 124,128,respectively, on the top wall 112 of the storage container 102. A stackof test strips 104 is loaded into the lower body portion 110 of thestorage container 102 so that the stack of test strips 104 is disposedbetween the platform 132 and the test strip supporting wall 130. Thebiasing element 132 is installed in the cavity 123 between the platform132 and the opposite wall of the storage container. The top wall 112,with the strip roller 106 and the thumbwheel 108 installed, is thenassembled to the lower body of the storage container 102. The lid 138 isplaced on the storage container 102 to form a substantially hermeticseal. The storage vial 100 may now be stored, and the stack of teststrips 104 will be protected from environmental hazards, such asmoisture. Typically, these steps will be performed by a manufacturer,rather than an end user of the storage vial.

To dispense a test strip, a user opens the lid 138 to expose thethumbwheel 108 and the strip dispensing slot 120. The user then rotatesthe thumbwheel 108 in the dispensing direction by manipulating thethumbwheel 108, with the user's fingers or the like. Upon rotation ofthe thumbwheel 108, the thumbwheel 108 transmits the rotational force tothe strip roller 106 through the gear teeth 148 on the thumbwheel 108and the strip roller gear 146. Therefore, the strip roller 106 rotates.The strip roller 106 contacts one test strip 142 of the stack of teststrips 104, and through frictional force generated between the striproller 106 and the contacted test strip 142, dispenses the contactedtest strip 142 through the test strip dispensing slot 120. Thethumbwheel 108 may be rotated so that the test strip 142 is completelydispensed out of the storage container 102, or the test strip 142 may bepartially dispensed from the storage container 102 to expose the teststrip so that a user may grasp the exposed test strip 142 to completelywithdraw the test strip and use the test strip.

Once the test strip is completely dispensed from the storage container102, the biasing element 132 urges the remaining test strips in thestack of test strips 104 toward the strip roller 106 so that a new teststrip is placed into contact with the strip roller 106. Thus, todispense another test strip, the user rotates the thumbwheel 108 again.After dispensing the desired number of test strips, the user may thenreplace the lid on the storage container 102 to store the remaining teststrips for future use.

After all of the stored test strips stored in the storage container 102have been dispensed, the storage vial 100 may be discarded, or may bereturned to the manufacturer for recycling. Alternatively, the storagecontainer 102 may be adapted to be reusable (e.g., by making the topwall 112 removable from the lower body portion 110).

Second Exemplary Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 8-12, a storage vial 200 for storing and dispensingtest strips according to a second exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention includes a storage container 202 configured to store a stackof test strips 204, a strip roller 206 rotatably disposed in the storagecontainer 202, and a pushbutton 208 disposed in the container. The striproller 206 contacts one test strip 226 of the stack of test strips 204.The pushbutton 208 is connected with the strip roller 206 by a geartrain 230 so that when the pushbutton 208 is pushed, the strip roller206 rotates to dispense the test strip 226 in contact with the striproller.

The storage container 202 includes a lower body portion 210 and a topwall 212 mounted in the lower body portion 210. The lower body portion210 of the storage container 202 is configured substantially the same asthe lower body portion 110 of the storage container 100 of the firstexemplary embodiment of the invention. Accordingly, a detaileddescription of the lower body portion 210 will not be repeated.

The top wall 212 of the storage container 202 has a test stripdispensing slot 216 through which test strips are dispensed. A firstsupporting member 218 extends from the bottom surface 220 of the topwall 212 to rotatably support the strip roller 206, as will be discussedin detail below. A second supporting member 222 extends from the bottomsurface 220 of the top wall 212 to rotatably support an intermediategear 232.

The pushbutton 208 has a first end 234 and a second end 236. The firstend 234 of the pushbutton 208 extends through a slot located in the topwall 212 of the storage container 202 so that it may be manipulated by auser. The second end 236 of the pushbutton 208 is disposed inside thecavity 214 of the storage container 202. A rack gear 238 is formed alongthe length of the pushbutton 208 near the second end 236 of thepushbutton 208.

The pushbutton is movable between a resting position (illustrated inFIG. 10, for example) and a dispensing position. A biasing element 240,such as an extension spring, is disposed between the top wall 212 andthe pushbutton 208. The biasing element 240 urges the pushbutton 208toward the resting position.

The pushbutton 208 has at least one track 242 located on one side of thepushbutton, and may have tracks located on both sides of the pushbutton208. The tracks 242 are configured to guide the movement of thepushbutton 208 so that when the pushbutton 208 is pressed to dispense atest strip, the rack gear 238 on the pushbutton 208 engages theintermediate gear 232. When the pushbutton 208 is released, the tracks242 are configured to cause the rack gear 238 to disengage from theintermediate gear 232. Therefore, the pushbutton 208 may be restoredfrom the dispensing position to the resting position without rotatingthe intermediate gear 238.

The intermediate gear 232 is rotatably disposed on the second supportingmember 222 which extends downwardly from the bottom surface 220 of thetop wall 212 of the storage container 202. The intermediate gear 232 isdisposed between the rack gear 238 on the pushbutton 208 and the striproller gear 228 on the strip roller 206 to operatively connect the gearsand form a gear train 230.

The strip roller 206 is rotatably supported by the first supportingmember 218, which extends downwardly from bottom surface 220 of the topwall 212 of the storage container 202. The strip roller 206 is generallyconfigured the same as the strip roller 106 of the first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, a detailed descriptionof the strip roller 206 will not be repeated.

The method of using the storage vial 200 for storing and dispensing teststrips according to the second exemplary embodiment of the inventionwill now be described. Initially, the strip roller 206, the pushbutton208, the biasing element 240, and the intermediate gear 232 areassembled to the top wall 212 of the storage container 202. A stack oftest strips 204 is loaded into the lower body portion 210 of the storagecontainer 202 so that the stack of test strips 204 is disposed betweenthe platform 246 (and the biasing element 232) and the test stripsupporting wall 224. The top wall 212, with the installed components, isthen assembled to the lower body portion 210 of the storage container202 so that the strip roller 206 engages one test strip 226 of the stackof test strips 226. The lid 224 may then be closed, and the stack oftest strips may be stored as long as desired.

To dispense a test strip, a user opens the lid 224, and pushes thepushbutton 208 to move the pushbutton 208 from a resting position to adispensing position. Initially, the tracks 242 on the pushbutton 208cause the rack gear 238 to engage the intermediate gear 232.Consequently, movement of the pushbutton 208 causes the rack gear 238 torotate the intermediate gear 232. The rotation of the intermediate gear232 rotates the strip roller gear 228 and causes the strip roller 206 todispense the test strip 226 which the strip roller 206 contacts. Thepushbutton 208 may be configured to completely dispense the test strip226 out of the storage container 202, or the test strip 226 may bepartially dispensed from the storage container 202 to expose the teststrip so that a user may grasp the exposed test strip 226 to completelywithdraw the test strip from the storage container 202.

After the test strip 226 has been dispensed, the biasing element 244urges the platform 246 and the stack of test strips 204 against the teststrip supporting wall 248 so that a new test strip may be dispensed.

When a user releases the pushbutton 108, the configuration of the tracks242 on the pushbutton cause the pushbutton 208, along with the rack gear238, to move away from and disengage the intermediate gear 232.Therefore, the pushbutton 208 may be returned to the resting positionwithout rotating the intermediate and strip roller gears 232, 228 in areverse direction.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 13-14, a storage vial 300 for storing and dispensingtest strips according to a third exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention includes a storage container 302 configured to store a stackof test strips, a strip roller 306 rotatably disposed in the storagecontainer 302, and a pushbutton 308 disposed in the storage container302. The strip roller 306 contacts one test strip of the stack of teststrips. The pushbutton 308 is connected with the strip roller 306 by agear train so that when the pushbutton 308 is pushed, the strip roller306 rotates to dispense the test strip in contact with the strip roller306.

The storage container 302 of the third exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention is generally the same as the storage container 202 ofthe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, except for theconfiguration of the intermediate gear 316 of the gear train and thepushbutton 308.

In this embodiment of the invention, the pushbutton 308 does not havetracks for engaging and disengaging the rack gear from the intermediategear 316. Instead, the pushbutton 308 has extended guide pins (notshown) which are disposed in and guided by pushbutton guide tracks 310disposed on the inner surface of the outer wall of the lower bodyportion 304 of the storage container 302. The guide tracks 310 aregenerally parallel to the edge of the lower body portion so that thepushbutton member moves substantially straight into and out of thestorage container 302.

The intermediate gear 316 of this embodiment of the invention is notsupported by a supporting member which extends from the top wall of thestorage container. Instead, the intermediate gear 316 has extended shaftportions (not shown) which are disposed in and guided by a pair ofintermediate gear guide tracks 312 formed on the inner surface of theouter wall of the lower body portion 304 of the storage container 302.Accordingly, the intermediate gear 316 is free to move linearly alongthe length of the intermediate gear guide tracks 312.

The method of using the storage vial 300 for storing and dispensing teststrips according to the third exemplary embodiment of the invention willnow be described. Initially, the storage vial 300 is loaded with a stackof test strips and assembled in substantially the same manner describedabove.

To dispense a test strip, a user pushes the pushbutton 308 to move thepushbutton 308 from a resting position to a dispensing position.Initially, a rack gear on the pushbutton 308 engages the intermediategear 316, and the intermediate gear 316 moves linearly toward the lowerend 314 of the intermediate gear guide tracks 312. Upon reaching thelower end 314 of the intermediate gear guide tracks 312, the guidetracks 312 prevent the intermediate gear 316 from any further linearmovement. Accordingly, further movement of the pushbutton 308 causes therack gear on the pushbutton 308 to rotate the intermediate gear 316. Therotation of the intermediate gear 316 rotates a strip roller gear andcauses the strip roller 306 to dispense a test strip. The pushbutton 308may be configured to completely dispense a test strip, or a test stripmay be partially dispensed from the storage container 302 to expose thetest strip so that a user may grasp the exposed test strip to completelywithdraw the test strip from the storage container 302.

When a user releases the pushbutton 308, a biasing element urges thepushbutton 308 from the dispensing position back to the restingposition. During the initial movement of the pushbutton 308 toward theresting position, the intermediate gear 316 translates along theintermediate gear guide tracks 312 to move toward the upper end of theguide tracks. When the intermediate gear 316 moves far enough, itdisengages the strip roller gear. Therefore, the pushbutton 308 may bereturned to the resting position without rotating the strip roller gearin a reverse direction.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, a storage vial 400 for storing and dispensingtest strips according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention includes a storage container 402 configured to store a stackof test strips 404, a lid 406 connected to the storage container by ahinge 408, and a linkage assembly 410 operatively connected to the lid406. When the lid 406 is opened, the linkage assembly 410 engages onetest strip 412 of the stack of test strips 404 and dispenses the teststrip 412.

The storage container 402 has a generally rectangular lower body portion414 and forms a cavity 416 which is configured to store a stack of teststrips 404. The storage container 402 is formed of any suitablematerial, as previously discussed.

The storage vial 400 is provided with a lid 406 to prevent humidity andother environmental contaminants from entering the storage container.The lid 406 is connected to the storage vial by a hinge 408. In theillustrated embodiment, the lid 406 is formed integrally with the lowerbody portion of the storage container so that it is connected by aliving hinge 408. Any type of hinge arrangement may be used, however.The lid 406 preferably forms a hermetic seal with the lower body portion414 of the storage container 402.

The linkage assembly 410 includes a first arm member 418 connected tothe lid 406, a second arm member 420 connected to the first arm member418 by a living hinge 428, and a third arm member 422 connected to thesecond arm member 420 by a living hinge 428. The first arm member 418 isa generally V-shaped member. The two legs of the V-shaped member form,in the illustrated embodiment, an obtuse angle with respect to oneanother. The first arm member 418 is attached to the lid 406 by heatstaking, by ultrasonic welding, by mechanical attachment, or by anyother suitable method known to those skilled in the art.

The second arm member 420 joins the first and third arm members 418, 422by living hinges 428 at both ends of the second arm. The use of livinghinges provide certain benefits, such as lower manufacturing costs, butit should be understood that the arms also may be joined by other typesof hinges.

The third arm member 422 has guide members 430, such as guide pins,which are disposed in and configured to travel in rails located in theside wall of the lower body portion 414 of the storage container 402.The third arm member 422 has a lower contacting member 426 which isconfigured to contact the lower edge of one test strip 412 of the stackof test strips 404. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, thethird arm member 422 contacts the lower edge of the right-most teststrip 412.

As illustrated, one set of first, second, and third arm members isprovided at the front side of the storage container 402. For stability,a second set of first, second, and third arm members, which issubstantially identical to the first set of first, second, and third armmembers, may be located at the back side of the storage container 402.

The method of using the storage vial 400 for storing and dispensing teststrips according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the inventionwill now be described. Initially, the lid 406 is opened, a stack of teststrips 404 is loaded into the container between a platform 432 and theouter wall 434 of the storage container 402, and the lid 406 is closed.With the lid 406 closed, the linkage assembly 410 is placed into aresting position. In the resting position, the third arm member 422 islocated at the bottom of the storage container, and the lower contactingmember 426 is located underneath the bottom edge of the right-most teststrip 412.

To dispense a test strip, a user opens the lid 406 of the storagecontainer 402. The opening of the lid 406 causes the first arm member418 to rotate up and out of the storage container. The second and thirdarm members 420, 422, which are connected to the first arm member 418,are also raised. The third arm member 422 travels substantiallyvertically up due to the cooperation of the guide member 430 and theguide rails and is raised up to a dispensing position. Since the lowercontacting member 426 of the third arm member 422 is located under atest strip 412, it raises and dispenses the test strip 412. Once thethird arm member 422 reaches the dispensing position, a user may graspthe test strip and remove the dispensed test strip 412. The first,second, and third arm members 418, 420, and 422 may be configured tocompletely dispense the test strip 412 out of the storage container 402,or the test strip 412 may be partially dispensed from the storagecontainer 402 to expose the test strip so that a user may grasp theexposed test strip 412 to completely withdraw the test strip from thestorage container 402 and use the test strip.

After the test strip 412 has been dispensed, a user may then close thelid 406. Closing the lid 406 causes the linkage assembly 410 to returnto its resting position. When the linkage assembly 410, and the thirdarm member 422 in particular, reaches the resting position, the biasingelement 436 urges the stack of test strips 404 toward the outer wall 434so that a new test strip is placed over the lower contacting member 426of the new test strip. Consequently, the storage vial 400 is ready todispense another test strip.

Fifth Exemplary Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 18-20, a storage vial 500 for storing and dispensingtest strips according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention includes a storage container 502 configured to store a stackof test strips, a lid 504 connected to the storage container 502 by ahinge 506, and a linkage assembly 508 operatively connected to the lid504. When the lid 504 is opened, the linkage assembly 508 engages onetest strip 510 of the stack of test strips and dispenses the test strip.

The storage container 502 and lid 504 of this embodiment is generallyconfigured the same as the storage container 402 and lid 404 of thefourth exemplary embodiment.

The linkage assembly 508 includes at least one slider arm 512, at leastone first linkage member 514, and at least one second linkage member516. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of slider arms 512, a pair offirst linkage members 514, and a pair of second linkage members 516 areprovided to increase the stability and reliability of the linkageassembly.

First ends 518 of the slider arms 512 are pivotably connected to the lid504. Second ends 520 of the slider arms 512 are pivotably connected tothe first linkage members 514. Each of the slider arms 512 has a slot522 that engages a guide boss 536 disposed on the storage container 502.

First ends 524 of the first linkage members 514 are pivotably connectedto the second ends 520 of the slider arms 512, and second ends 526 ofthe first linkage members 514 are pivotably connected to the secondlinkage members 516.

The second linkage members 516 have guide members 528, such as guidepins, which are disposed in and configured to travel in guide railslocated in the side walls of the storage container 502. The first ends530 of the second linkage members 516 are connected to the second ends526 of the first linkage members 514. A lower contacting member 534 isdisposed between the second ends 532 of the second linkage members 516.The lower contacting member contacts one test strip 510 so that the teststrip 510 is dispensed when the lid 504 is opened.

The method of using the storage vial 500 for storing and dispensing teststrips according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention willnow be described. Initially, the lid 504 is opened, a stack of teststrips is loaded into the storage container 502, and the lid 504 isclosed. With the lid 504 closed, the linkage assembly 508 is placed intoa resting position. In the resting position, the second linkage members516 are located at the bottom of the storage container 502, and thelower contacting member 534 is located underneath the lower edge of thebottom edge of the right-most test strip 510.

To dispense a test strip, a user opens the lid 504 of the storagecontainer 502. The opening of the lid 504 causes the slider arms 512 torotate up and out of the storage container 502. The slider arms 512 areguided by cooperation of the guide bosses 536 and the slots in theslider arms 512 along a predetermined path. The second ends 520 of theslider arms 512 pull the first linkage members 514, which, in turn, pullthe second linkage members 516. The second linkage members 516 travelsubstantially vertically up insider the storage container 502 due to thecooperation of the guide members 528 and guide rails and is raised up toa dispensing position. Since the lower contacting member 534 is locatedunder a test strip, it raises and dispenses the test strip. Once thesecond linkage members 516 reach the dispensing position, a user maygrasp the test strip and remove the dispensed test strip. The sliderarms 512 and the first and second linkage members 514, 516 may beconfigured to completely dispense a test strip out of the storagecontainer 502, or the test strip may be partially dispensed from thestorage container 502 to expose the test strip so that a user may graspthe exposed test strip to completely withdraw the test strip from thestorage container and use the test strip.

After the test strip has been dispensed, a user may then close the lid504. Closing the lid 504 causes the linkage assembly 508 to return toits resting position. When the linkage assembly 508, and the secondlinkage members 516 in particular, reach the resting position, a biasingelement urges the stack of test strips towards the side wall of thestorage container 502 so that a new test strip is placed over the lowercontacting member. Consequently, the storage container 502 is ready todispense another test strip.

Sixth Exemplary Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 21, a storage vial 600 for storing and dispensing teststrips according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention includes a storage container 602 configured to store a stackof test strips, a spiral pusher spring 604, and a thumbwheel 606connected to the spiral pusher spring 604 by a gear train 628 so thatrotation of the thumbwheel 606 causes the spring to dispense one teststrip of the stack of test strips.

The storage container 602 is generally rectangular and forms a cavity612 which is configured to receive a cartridge 610 for storing a stackof test strips. The storage container 602 may be formed of any suitablematerial, as previously discussed.

The storage vial 600 is provided with a lid 608 to prevent humidity andother environmental contaminants from entering the storage container602. The lid 608 may be connected to the storage vial by any suitabletype of hinge, such as a living hinge.

A cartridge 610 is inserted into the cavity in the storage container602. The spiral pusher spring 604 and the associated gear train 628 aredisposed in the cartridge 610. The cavity 612 in the cartridge 610 isconfigured to hold a stack of test strips, and a platform, as well as abiasing element, are located in the cavity to urge the stack of elementstoward one wall of the cartridge 610. The cartridge 610 may be removablefrom the storage container 602 or permanently affixed thereto.

The spiral pusher spring 604 is wound around a cylindrical spring drum614. A first end 616 of the spiral pusher spring 604 is disposed in aguide track 618 formed in the cartridge 610. A second end 620 of thespiral pusher spring 604 is fixed to the cylindrical spring drum 614.The first end 616 of the spiral pusher spring 604 is configured tocontact the edge of a test strip. Accordingly, when the spring drum 614is rotated, the first end 616 of the spiral pusher spring 604 isextended and moves along the guide track 618 to dispense a test strip.

In the illustrated embodiment, the gear train 628 comprises a thumbwheeldriving gear 606, a first idler gear 622, a second idler gear 624, and aspring drum driving gear 626. The thumbwheel driving gear 606 ispartially exposed to the outside of the storage container 602 so that auser may manipulate the thumbwheel 606. The first and second idler gears622, 624 engage the thumbwheel 606, and transmit a rotational forcegenerated by the thumbwheel 606 to the spring drum driving gear 626. Thegear train 628 may be configured with any desired gear ratios.

The method of using the storage vial 600 for storing and dispensing teststrips according to the sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention willnow be described. Initially, a stack of test strips is loaded into thecartridge 610, the spiral pusher spring 604 is retracted into an initialresting position, and the cartridge is inserted into the storagecontainer 602. In the resting position, the spiral pusher spring 604 isretracted so that the end of the spring is located at the bottom of thestorage container 602 and is underneath the lower edge of one edge of atest strip.

To dispense a test strip, a user rotates the exposed thumbwheel 606 in adispensing direction. The rotational force of the thumbwheel 606 istransmitted to the spiral pusher spring 604 through the gear train 628.The spiral pusher spring 604 is extended and dispenses the test strip.The thumbwheel 606 may be rotated so that the test strip is completelydispensed out of the storage container 602, or the test strip may bepartially dispensed from the storage container 602 to expose the teststrip so that a user may grasp the exposed test strip to completelywithdraw the test strip and use the test strip.

After the test strip has been dispensed, a user may then rotate thethumbwheel 606 in an opposite direction to the dispensing direction toreturn the spiral pusher spring 604 to its resting position.Alternatively, the inherent spring force of the spiral pusher spring 604may cause it to return to its resting position automatically. When thespiral pusher spring 604 reaches the resting position, the biasingelement urges the stack of test strips towards the spiral spring so thata new test strip is placed over the end of the pusher spring.Consequently, the storage container 602 is ready to dispense anothertest strip.

Seventh Exemplary Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 22, a storage vial 700 for storing and dispensing teststrips according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention includes a storage container 702 configured to store a stackof test strips, a spring 704 configured to contact one test strip of thestack of test strips, a rack 706 connected to the spring 704, a pinion708 engaging the rack 706, and a thumbwheel 710 engaging the pinion 708so that rotation of the thumbwheel 710 displaces the rack 706 and causesthe spring 704 to dispense the contacted test strip.

The storage container 702 and lid of this embodiment is generallyconfigured the same as the storage container 702 and lid of the sixthexemplary embodiment.

A cartridge 712 is inserted into a cavity 714 in the storage container702 502. The cartridge 712 has a cavity which is configured to hold astack of test strips, and a platform, as well as a biasing element, arelocated in the cartridge 712 to urge the stack of test strips toward onewall of the cartridge 712. The cartridge 712 may be removable from thestorage container 602 or permanently affixed thereto.

The spring 704 is disposed in a guide track 722 formed in the cartridge712. A first end 716 of the spring 704 is guided by the guide track 722and is configured to contact the edge of a test strip. A second end 718of the spring 704 is fixed to the rack 706.

The rack 706 is linearly movable within the storage container 702. Therack 706 has a rack gear 720 located on one side of the rack.

A pinion gear 708 is rotatably disposed on the cartridge 712, andengages the rack gear 720.

The thumbwheel 710 is also rotatable disposed on the cartridge 712, andengages the pinion gear 708. Accordingly, when the thumbwheel 710 isrotated, the pinion gear 708 rotates, and the rack 706 translateslinearly. Thus, the first end of the attached spring 704 is moved alongthe guide track 722.

The method of using the storage vial for storing and dispensing teststrips according to the seventh exemplary embodiment of the inventionwill now be described. Initially, a stack of test strips is loaded intothe cartridge 712, the pusher spring 704 and rack 706 are placed into aninitial resting position, and the cartridge is inserted into the storagecontainer 702. In the resting position, the rack 706 and pusher spring704 are retracted so that the end of the spring 704 is located at thebottom of the storage container 702 and is underneath the lower edge ofone edge of a test strip.

To dispense a test strip, a user rotates the exposed thumbwheel 710 in adispensing direction. The rotational force of the thumbwheel 710 istransmitted to the pinion 708 gear, and the pinion gear 708 engages therack 706 gear to translate the rotational force of the pinion gear 708into linear movement of the rack 706. The linear movement of the rack706 extends the pusher spring 704, and dispenses the test strip. Thethumbwheel 710 may be rotated so that the test strip is completelydispensed out of the storage container 702, or the test strip may bepartially dispensed from the storage container 702 to expose the teststrip so that a user may grasp the exposed test strip to completelywithdraw the test strip and use the test strip.

After the test strip has been dispensed, a user may then rotate thethumbwheel 710 in an opposite direction to the dispensing direction toreturn the pusher spring 704 to its resting position. Alternatively, thepusher spring can return to its resting position automatically. When thepusher spring 704 reaches the resting position, the biasing elementurges the stack of test strips towards the pusher spring 704 so that anew test strip is placed over the end of the pusher spring 704.Consequently, the storage container 702 is ready to dispense anothertest strip.

Eighth Exemplary Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 23-24, a storage vial 800 for storing and dispensingtest strips according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention includes a storage container 802 configured to store a stackof test strips rack, a spring 804 configured to contact one test stripof the stack of test strips, and a lever arm 806 that pivots about apivot point 808. A first end 810 of the lever arm 806 is connected tothe spring 804 to drive the spring 804 so that pivoting of the levercauses the spring 804 to dispense the contacted test strip.

The storage container 802 and lid (not shown) of this embodiment isgenerally configured the same as the storage container 602 and lid 608of the sixth exemplary embodiment.

A cartridge 814 is inserted into a cavity in the storage container 802.A cavity in the cartridge 814 is configured to hold a stack of teststrips, and a platform, as well as a biasing element, are located in thecavity to urge the stack of test strips toward one wall of thecartridge. The cartridge 814 may be removable from the storage container802 or permanently affixed thereto.

The spring 804 is disposed in a guide track 818 formed by the cartridgeand 814. The first end 820 of the spring 804 is guided by the guidetrack 818 and is configured to contact the edge of a test strip 816. Asecond end 822 of the spring 804 is fixed to a first end 810 of thelever arm 806.

The lever arm 806 is pivotably disposed about a pivot point 808 on thecartridge. The second end 824 of the lever arm 806 extends above the topend of the cartridge so that a user may manipulate the lever arm 806.

The method of using the storage vial 800 for storing and dispensing teststrips according to the eighth exemplary embodiment of the inventionwill now be described. Initially, a stack of test strips is loaded intothe cartridge 814, the lever arm 806 and the pusher spring 804 areplaced into an initial resting position, and the cartridge is insertedinto the storage container 802. In the resting position, the lever arm806 is pivoted to one side of the storage container 802, and the pusherspring 804 is retracted so that the end of the spring 804 is located atthe bottom of the storage container 802 and is underneath the lower edgeof one edge of a test strip.

To dispense a test strip, a user presses the lever arm 806 to pivot thelever arm 806. The pivoting of the lever arm 806 causes the pusherspring 804 to extend along the guide track, and dispenses the teststrip. The lever arm 806 is pivoted far enough for a user to grasp thetest strip and remove the dispensed test strip.

After removing the test strip, a user may then pivot the lever arm 806back to its initial resting position. Alternatively, the lever arm mayreturn to its resting position automatically. When the lever arm 806reaches the resting position, the biasing element urges the stack oftest strips towards the pusher spring 804 so that a new test strip isplaced over the end of the pusher spring 804. Consequently, the storagecontainer 802 is ready to dispense another test strip.

While various embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention,it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changesand modifications can be made therein without departing from the scopeof the invention as defined in the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for storing and dispensing test strips, comprising: acontainer configured to store a stack of test strips; a spring disposedin the container, the spring adapted to contact one test strip of thestack of test strips; and an actuator for actuating the spring todispense the one test strip from the container.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a thumbwheel at least partiallyexposed outside of the container.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, whereinthe spring comprises a spiral pusher spring.
 4. The apparatus of claim3, wherein the actuator comprises a thumbwheel connected to the spiralpusher spring by a gear train so that rotation of the thumbwheel causesthe spring to dispense the contacted test strip.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein said gear train and said spiral pusher spring aredisposed in a cartridge that is selectively removable from saidcontainer.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a cylindricalspring drum disposed in said container, wherein said spiral pusherspring is wound around said cylindrical spring drum.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 6, further comprising a guide track disposed in said container,wherein a first end of the spiral pusher spring is fixed to thecylindrical spring drum and a second end of the spiral pusher spring isdisposed in said guide track to contact an edge of one test strip of thestack of test strips.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: arack connected to the spring; a pinion engaging the rack; and athumbwheel engaging the pinion so that rotation of the thumbwheeldisplaces the rack and causes the spring to dispense the contacted teststrip.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises alever arm that pivots about a pivot point, an end of the lever arm beingconnected to the spring to drive the spring so that pivoting of thelever causes the spring to dispense the contacted test strip.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a biasing element for urgingthe stack of test strips into a position such that the spring contactsone test strip of the stack of test strips.
 11. An apparatus for storingand dispensing test strips, comprising: means for storing a stack oftest strips; a spring for contacting one test strip of the stack of teststrips, the spring contacting an edge of one test strip of the stack oftest strips; and means for actuating the contacting means to dispensethe contacted test strip.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein thespring comprises a spiral pusher spring.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12,wherein the actuating means comprises a thumbwheel connected to thespiral pusher spring by a gear train so that rotation of the thumbwheelcauses the spring to dispense the contacted test strip.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a cylindrical spring drumdisposed in said container; and a guide track disposed in saidcontainer; wherein a first end of the spiral pusher spring is fixed tothe cylindrical spring drum and a second end of the spiral pusher springis disposed in said guide track to contact an edge of one test strip ofthe stack of test strips.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein theactuating means comprises: a rack connected to the spring; a pinionengaging the rack; and a thumbwheel engaging the pinion so that rotationof the thumbwheel displaces the rack and causes the spring to dispensethe contacted test strip.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein theactuating means comprises a lever arm that pivots about a pivot point,an end of the lever arm being connected to the spring to drive thespring so that pivoting of the lever causes the spring to dispense thecontacted test strip.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprisingmeans for urging the stack of test strips into a position such that thespring contacts one test strip of the stack of test strips.
 18. A methodof storing and dispensing test strips, comprising: arranging a pluralityof test strips to form a stack of test strips; storing the plurality oftest strips in a storage container; urging the stack of test stripstoward a dispensing position; engaging an edge of one test strip of thestack of test strips with a spring; actuating the spring to dispense theengaged test strip; and urging the remaining test strips toward thedispensing position so that another test strip is placed into adispensing position.
 19. The method of storing and dispensing teststrips according to claim 18, wherein the operation of actuating thespring comprises: transmitting the rotational force of a thumbwheel torotate a spring drum connected to an end of the spring; and guiding anopposing end of the spring in a guide track to push the edge anddispense the engaged test strip.
 20. The method of storing anddispensing test strips according to claim 18, wherein the operation ofactuating the spring comprises pivoting a lever which is operativelyengaged with the engagement member.